Well what do you consider not too costly? And what do you want to use the cam for? Personally I have a Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 (about $100) which I think is great. There are some cams that have problems with various video chat programs and alot of the older cams dont have (and never will have) drivers for XP. The current QuickCam Pros are compatible with XP and I have not heard of anyone having problems with them using any of the video chat programs. If you are planning on using CuSeeMe I would not recommend an Intel cam as alot of people have problems using certain Intel cams on CU. I would also recommend againts any of the dual use cams (webcam and digital cam), most are good at one and bad the other.

The short answer is find a cam that works with the applications that you want to use it with and at the price that you are will to pay. And make sure it is compatible with XP before you buy it